Shillong, May 15: Nongkseh SSCC scraped past Rangdajied United FC 2-1 in their Group A fixture of the 5th Meghalaya State League quarterfinal stage at the MFA Ground here today.
Chesterpaul Lyngdoh (22’) and Aibiangmame Nongneng (90’+4) scored for Nongkseh and Pasborlang Khonglikong (71’) for Rangdajied in another close contest in MSL 5.
The later game was a repeat of MSL 4’s final, between defending champions Mawlai SC and Shillong Lajong FC and it was the latter who won 3-1. Deibormame Tongper (16′), Riborlang L Lyngkhoi (34′) and Wilbert Marbaniang (86′) scored for Lajong and Basuklang Bina (35′) for Mawlai.
Chesterpaul neatly scored the first goal in the first quarter of the match but Nongkseh wasted plenty of other chances throughout the game. On the other side, Rangdajied had a perfect opportunity to level before the break after a defensive error gifted the ball to Dawanpynbiang Biam but he blazed the ball over the crossbar.
RUFC, who were edged 1-0 by Lajong two days ago, continued to soak up the pressure in the second half. Coach Aiborlang Khongjee made a double substitution and that may have put a bit more energy in proceedings. A cross into the box by the impressive Gideon Mukhim was fumbled by Nongkseh goalie Daraplang Tlang and Pasborlang managed to flick the ball in even though he was facing the wrong way.
If Rangdajied were guilty of anything, it was giving away too many free-kicks in their own half as Nongkseh pressed for the lead again. It was one of these occasions that led to the winning goal, with Aibiangmame heading in the set-piece.
In the second fixture, Lajong impressed to take victory and they now have 6 points at the top of the group. SLFC had only scored one-fourth of their goals (8 out of 32) in the first half prior to today, so it was a real surprise as they came out gunning for glory right from the start and found the mark twice.
Deibormame bagged the first goal after a mistake by Mawlai in defence and Riborlang then doubled the lead after Lajong’s players outpaced the opposition.
Just a minute later the margin was reduced, however, through Basuklang and this kept the contest interesting. A deep corner went to the far post, was sent back to the near post and Basuklang volleyed the ball in from there.
That was only the second goal Lajong have conceded in MSL 5 and they looked a little nervy at the back, unaccustomed, perhaps, to the speed at which Mawlai were playing.
Basuklang almost had the equaliser late in the day but his shot struck the woodwork and rebounded to hit Lajong goalkeeper Wanteilang Malngiang but stayed in play. Two minutes later SLFC cleared a corner off the line and then it was their turn to get a scoring chance, with Wilbert heading in a free-kick to seal the win.
After two rounds, Lajong lead with 6 points, Nongkseh have 4, Mawlai 1 and Rangdajied 0. The top two teams will progress to the semifinals but there are still four rounds to go for Mawlai and RUFC to stage a comeback.
The action will move back to the SSA Stadium tomorrow when the Group B teams face off. After both lost their opening quarterfinal stage matches on Thursday, Maram FC and Nangkiew Irat SC will be chasing redemption at 2pm, followed by Rymbai Shkenshynriah SC versus Langsning FC at 6pm.
